Galen died at about 6:30 yesterday evening. His breathing was becoming more shallow and his body was showing the signs of dying. I decided that I didn’t want to remove his wedding ring from a cold body, so I asked him permission to take it and wear it. I thanked him for the years we had together. As I slipped the ring from his finger, his breathing changed and within a couple minutes he was gone.

I want to thank everyone for sharing this journey with us. The last 53 days have been brutal – that’s how long it took Galen to leave his broken body after we received the diagnosis. I was sure that when the grim reaper appeared at the pearly gates with Galen’s body, they would check the records and tell him, “You took the wrong person. Take him back and restore his health and get that jerk over there. . .”

Now his sister and I will take care of some business, then I will spend a few days with my family in Edmonton. And then life will go on, without a very creative, talented, kind, loving man.

I will probably plan a get together for friends and family over Canadian Thanksgiving. It will be an informal time of sharing stories together. We will also do something in Oregon at a later date.

50 Responses to “He’s Flown”

We weep! May Love’s Arms hold you tightly! We are so thankful for the time we have had with you both over the last number of years! Galen was truely a Loving Kind Incredibly Creative Person. We will miss him greatly! Take care, you have our number!

No more suffering for Galen. Back in June, we were at the Hospital Fundraiser. Didn’t know then that Galen would need the hospital soon after that. Have peace he is in a better place and take care yourself. Peace.

From my family to yours, ill always remember the times we had together at Ness Creek and ill always be able to recall Galen dancing in the mud to make bricks for our clay oven. A special guy. Love to you all at this time and all the time.

You read the signs very well.We are sorry. Yes what a ton of talent gone but just think of all the places you can go to see the work of his hands.Shell Lake will keep his memory fresh for a very long time.You are so brave.

I am so sorry. There are no words to express what I would like to say, it all sounds so pathetic. It is never easy to lose someone we love. When mom died Jared our pastor gave me Psalms 116 especially verse 15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Love to you Becky. Chloe

Our deepest condolences Becky. We didn’t know Galen well but being residents of Shell Lake we certainly knew of his many talents. It’s a blessing that his struggle and pain are over and we know you will cherish the memories of your life together.

Such sad times for you Rebecca, but he will always be close to you, your memories will keep him with you. He lived a rich and adventurous life, always open to trying something new. He was a fine man, so gentle and loving. Always generous with his time, his talents, his knowledge, his home, his laughter, his hugs and his friendship. Alan so enjoyed the weekend he spent with just you two last summer. Galen will be missed by many. Stay true to yourself, allow your friends to love and support you, take time for you.
Alan and Mavis

For many years, and especially now, you have made a most special journey with this kind and loving man. You will need time to get used to loving him in a new way. My heart is with your heart. My tears fall with yours. You were brave to share this precious moment.

So sorry for your lose Becky. You two left the impression that you had a great relationship. I enjoyed the little outing that he took me on,to Shell Lake. He walked with me over much of the property where you lived. Then I was also glad that you were able to go to Mexico, and see where we lived, and that pastor Enrique was able receive you and show you around.
We love you both and trust that you will carry on sensing peace and God’s presence.

Rebecca. We are shocked and heartbroken for you. We didn’t know Galen had a diagnosis, and how quickly he left us. We grieve with you, and for the loss of our creative and fun cousin. Thank you for the way you shared the last minutes with us.

Our sincerest condolences. Thank-you for sharing these last weeks & allowing us to be part of this very sad & difficult journey. Our hearts are with you in your loss as we remember the kind talented man who was Galen.

Rebecca, we’ll hold you close in our hearts & send prayers for Galen’s journey. Rest & take good care of yourself, it’s what he would want. We both have loved & lost before so remember to reach out for support, it’s what helps along your path going forward.
Many hugs to you!
Peace to Galen!

I didn’t sleep much last nite and was in prayer for you both. His eternal house is ready and what a creative one it will be!!! Hugs, hugs, hugs….. It was a blessing for both of us to know you and thanks for your openness on Galen’s final earthly journey.

Ewan & I are so very sorry for the pain and suffering that your dear sweet man
endured…thank you for sharing your difficult journey. ..we admire your strength and courage…..may the love and memories that you and Galen shared wrap around you in a warm hug….

Ooooo Becky!! So so sorry for your great loss! It happened so fast since you wrote of his diagnosis!
I am so sorry to never have known Galen as an adult except thru your Facebook posts and the pictures.
Blessings of peace and comfort as you reflect on your life together! Be comforted by your memories!
Love lots, Linda

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You both suffered too much in the last days, now it is the healing that will take time. Bless you. We have his creativity to look at each day such a blessing and beauty. I was hoping to cross paths this weekend but we will have coffee this fall.

So sorry for your loss, Rebecca. Galen was an extremely good man. The world has lost one of its best. The days ahead will be hard. Have lost loved ones as well (as most of us have). All I can say is “When morning comes and you wake up, just breathe and do.” When time has past, and you aren’t sure what to do next in life, please consider writing a book about your adventures with Galen. What a wonderful writer you are! “You feel like you are right there. And it makes you cry”, Jim said. He is so glad that he had a good visit with him when he was here. I, too, will remember him as I last saw him in his workshop. We will miss him dearly. Take care. Jim & Grace

Dear Rebecca
There are no words that can express how sad I am for you.
And when your days Rebecca is so dark that you can’t see any light at all, hang in there for just one day more, as tomorrow might just be a bit brighter
lots of love
Rigmor

Rebecca – I feel so saddened to hear of Galen’s passing. What a beautiful pair you made.God knew what He was doing when he brought you together. What wonderful memories you are left with. May they get you through the difficult days ahead. God be with you. Beth (Pott) Horon.

Dear Rebecca- What a privilege to have met you both and shared some time with Galen experiencing his generous spirit and great sense of humour. You have taught us so much over the weeks through your writing skills- please continue as you are able- it will bring us joy!, We were so happy to have been graced with a couple of his smiles yesterday too- see, on Eagle’s wings he flew XXXX

We are so sorry for your loss Rebecca. Our deepest sympathy. Galen was a truly remarkable man, so many talents and so willing to share. Our little village has so much to be grateful for that he initiated , contributed to or totally did on his own. He will be sadly missed.

Dear Rebecca
Galen touched the lives of so many people! It’s not fair that such a wonderful, kind, gentle man should had to have suffered so much in his last weeks of life.
We will always remember him shuffling across his shop floor as he carefully pondered some object that he held so purposefully between his thumb and fingers. We will miss his wise words, his hearty laughs, and that special twinkle in his eye.
We can’t even imagine how difficult this time has been for you. We wish you comfort in the days ahead and continued strength as you carry on. He was so fortunate to have you by his side all these years. Take care.
Hugs from all of our family.

So very sorry, Rebecca, for losing such a wonderful man. The world needs many more people like he was; kind, creative and joyful.
For you I wish peace, grace and strength for the days and months ahead.
I’ll be here whenever you need someone to talk to.

Dear Rebecca,
Wherever Galen goes, he will bring joy, levity and creativity!! Thanks to you and Galen for including me in your journey, and for you to be brave enough to care for Galen through this struggle and share it through writing!
The last time we met, Galen and I walked with an arm around each other’s shoulders, laughing about how he was looking forward to getting old…and fat! That, of course, was punctuated by that characteristic twinkle in his eyes, and wink!
I’m sorry he’s gone.

We were so sorry to hear of Galen’s passing but glad he is suffering no more. We will continue to pray for you. Maybe sometime later you could show/tell us some more about your adventures/travels with Galen I wish we could have known him better. Take care. Love Pat & Stan

So sorry to hear of Galens passing. He was a real gem, very kind and sometimes full of fun. You told me you had never been to Arizona. You have a bed at my place if you choose to come. My phone number is still the same 306 630 9396.

You paint such eloquent images with your words Becky. Thanks for your gracious invitation to us all to share this journey a tiny bit with you. You and Galen were an amazing match. He was one of the kindest, most gracious men I’ve known. Thinking of you during this transition.

I just wish I was closer Bec, to sit with you, cry with you, share stories or be silent with you.I love you and I am so very, very sorry for this heartbreak.May Galen be at peace and may the love you had for one another over these many years fill your heart and bring you solace over time.

Rebecca, I only opened your Blog today. We are so sorry Galen went so soon, but his suffering is over. I have thought of both of you every day since receiving the message of Galen’s diagnosis. We hoped for strength for both of you during this difficult time and for peace for you both. I am sorry I did not contact you before; I kept wording and rewording what I might say. Today I have read the entire Blog. We appreciate the friendship we have had with you and Galen. We appreciate the creativity of both of you and your “down to earth” attitude toward many things. What a chance meeting at the One-Act Play Festival… We are the richer for it. (We shall not be able to attend the Gathering on Oct. 7. We shall be in Calgary at a Memorial for Ray’s aunt.) Take care.